Our Story
Our transition to becoming an academy feels like a dream come true, but it took a whole evolution for both myself and the business to arrive here.
This is a glimpse of my journey...
Dr. Maria Vraka
Founder of the Maria Vraka Music Academy
2002
I arrive in London on a full scholarship from the Hellenic Institute of Scholarships, to complete my postgraduate studies in Education.
2005
How it all started
While studying for a PhD I started working as a research officer at IOE. I am creating my own materials combining my position as both a researcher and piano teacher.
Musigenius
2008
I design my own program for under 5s called Musigenius. Set up classes in my house and other people’s homes.
2011
Musigenius has gained reputation, so I started setting up classes in larger venues, parallel to working as a researcher and teaching piano.
2013
I rented my first dedicated studio, only for a couple of days a week, while on maternity leave. I am delivering seminars for pregnant mums and a Musigenius section for babies
2014
I was appointed as lecturer for the module Psychology of Music from University of Nicosia. I am still a very busy research officer, a mother and run my own classes
HEMEC
2016
I open a centre for early years music education (HEMEC) in a dedicated building. For the first time I am a full time owner of my own school. This is where I start training teachers in Greece and the UK in my own method.
2018
I devise a music program for hearing impaired children which I offer for free. The program wins the grant for Innovation from Sound Connections, National Foundation for Youth Music. Due to this award I am also recognised as one of the 60 most influential music leaders in the UK for 2018.
2020
During Covid I start developing my team of talented teachers, that started working with our students online. I create my own program for group piano lessons.
Maria Vraka School of Music
2022
I train as a Coach, which changed my outlook as to how my work is relevant to the world and how much value music can bring to people’s lives. The Maria Vraka School of Music is born.
2023
I launch our outreach program initially with 2 teachers, growing to a team of 15 in less than 5 months. I publish my first book as a coauthor dedicated to the musical life of babies.
2024
I create a senior management team with some incredibly talented teachers. The vision for music education becomes even bigger. With the growing support of parents we are now launching the Maria Vraka Music Academy.
Maria Vraka Music Academy
Our Mission
Our goal as an academy is to provide high-quality education and nurture the musical talents of both students and instructors in a supportive environment, We give the option for one-to-one or group sessions, either in the comfort of home or at our studio in Swiss Cottage. The academy is passionate about inspiring students to embrace a musical lifestyle, organizing concerts in prestigious venues and creating courses to foster musicianship at the highest level. As a heart-centered business, MVMA is dedicated to giving back to the world through charitable events and cultivating a generation of compassionate and talanted musicians.
To be continued...
